A former Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center pediatrician who was moved by growing obesity and depression in modern kids sees books as part of the solution.The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that John Hutton has quit his job as a doctor and bought the Blue Marble, a popular children's book store that was going out of business in 2000.He and wife Sandra Gross have renamed the shop Blue Manatee. It is now focused on literacy and education projects to make children healthier.The concept was born in the hospital's emergency room, where doctors were noticing children had fewer bee stings and broken arms and more issues with mental health and fitness.Hutton used the Blue Manatee to encourage "old-fashioned stuff": outside play and parents and children reading together.

CINCINNATI, Oh —

A former Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center pediatrician who was moved by growing obesity and depression in modern kids sees books as part of the solution.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that John Hutton has quit his job as a doctor and bought the Blue Marble, a popular children's book store that was going out of business in 2000.

He and wife Sandra Gross have renamed the shop Blue Manatee. It is now focused on literacy and education projects to make children healthier.

The concept was born in the hospital's emergency room, where doctors were noticing children had fewer bee stings and broken arms and more issues with mental health and fitness.

Hutton used the Blue Manatee to encourage "old-fashioned stuff": outside play and parents and children reading together.